Been out several times now with the contra-14 and the general rule I've found is I have to see at least a few whitecaps to go upwind. 93kg., Door 64 (164 cm x 46cm almost flat bottom) Same goes for the Speed-17.

Phillipp,What are the design features that you see that enable this kite to fly in that low wind?Maybe I've missed a post covering it,but why is this Contra model the light wind choice compared say, to the Xbow
Thanks

bigwave wrote:Phillipp,What are the design features that you see that enable this kite to fly in that low wind?Maybe I've missed a post covering it,but why is this Contra model the light wind choice compared say, to the Xbow
Thanks

Inside info says it has a smaller cabrinha sticker that contributed about 80% to the improvement in lightwind performance...

chemosavi wrote:Been out several times now with the contra-14 and the general rule I've found is I have to see at least a few whitecaps to go upwind. 93kg., Door 64 (164 cm x 46cm almost flat bottom) Same goes for the Speed-17.

Ah yes - I've been waiting for a Contra vs Speed 17 comparison.
Are you saying the Contra 14 is comparable to the Speed 17????

I've done many head to heads with my X-bow 16 and Speed 17. Speed 17 has a lower range of 2-4 mph. (90kg on SS Glide) - I can fly it on the beack in 5mph - but need atleast 8 to ride on the water. For the X-bow 16, I need atleast 10mph to get going.

X-bow kicks Speed ass on the upper end though...

So, what I really want to know is - Does the Contra 17 have a better (wind speed at which you hold your ground on the water) low end than the Speed 17?

It's my "shit for brains" notion without flying the contra 17 that it will be as good as if not better than the Speed-17 at getting you going in minimal wind. That's based on the C-14 which I have and have flown back to back with the Speed-17(same wind). The c-17'll sure turn a lot faster than the speed so if-you-good-at-fly-kite-kinda-guy you-a gonnna love it.